A Survey of Airline Pilots Regarding Fuel Conservation Procedures for Taxi Operations

This describes how aircraft taxi operations are a significant source of energy consumption and emissions at airports. In 2007, an estimated 4,000 tons of hydrocarbons, 8,000 tons of nitrogen oxides and 45,000 tons of carbon monoxide were emitted through taxi-out operations at U.S. airports. These pollutants contribute to low-altitude emissions, directly impact local nonattainment of air pollution standards, and represent an endangerment to human health and welfare. Given increasing fuel prices and concern about aviation-related environmental impacts, airlines have implemented a number of practices to reduce fuel burn during ground operations. Such strategies include minimising use of the auxiliary power unit, controlling speed on the taxiway system, and reducing surface congestion and delays by holding aircraft at the gate. Researchers conducted a survey of airline pilots at Boston's Logan International Airport to assess their attitudes towards fuel conservation during taxi operations, and to document current fuel conservation practices, particularly single-engine taxi procedures. The study found that most of the pilots believe that fuel conservation is important, their motivation to conserve fuel is mainly driven by concerns about their airlines' economic viability, as well as the environmental impacts of aviation. The study also found that single-engine taxiing is quite prevalent in current operations, especially arrivals, and it identified some the practical challenges surrounding such procedures.